SCU Now Episode 7

In this episode of SCU Now, host Anthony Sarinana shares updates from Southern California University of Health Sciences, including research led by Dr. Steffany Moonaz finding that a 12-week structured yoga program produced similar—and sometimes slightly better—improvements than strengthening exercises for 117 adults with knee osteoarthritis, while also offering strong healthcare cost value. We also cover SCU Ayurveda Program Director Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil leading the International Delegates Assembly at the 2026 International AYUSH Conference in Dubai, where a draft white paper explored AYUSH approaches for prevention, chronic disease management, and long-term wellness, alongside SCU faculty presentations linking Ayurveda with modern science. We then highlight the growing demand for genetic counselors as genomic technologies expand, featuring insights from Dr. Dan Handley and Stephanie Gandomi, and conclude with SCU Student Services' whole-student support and Wellness Wednesday programming.

00:00 Welcome to SCU Now

00:21 Yoga for Knee Arthritis

01:20 AYUSH Conference Highlights

02:40 Genomics and Counseling Careers

04:43 Whole Health Student Support

05:48 Closing

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:04

Hi everyone, and welcome to SCU Now, your quick update on what's happening at Southern California University of Health Sciences and where healthcare is headed next. I'm your host, Anthony Sarranana. Let's get started. New research, led by SCU Research Director Dr. Stephanie Munes, suggests yoga may be an effective and cost-conscious option for people with knee osteoarthritis. The study followed 117 adults comparing a structured yoga program with traditional strengthening exercises over 12 weeks. Researchers found yoga delivered similar and in some cases slightly better improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life. The study also found yoga may provide strong value from a healthcare cost perspective. Dr. Muniz says the findings reflect growing interest in treatments that improve outcomes while also supporting whole person care through movement, mindfulness, relaxation, and social connection. For SCU, the research highlights how evidence-informed, accessible approaches can play an important role in the future of healthcare. SCU Ayurvedo Program Director, Dr. Anupama Kizak Vital, recently served as chair of the International Delegates Assembly at the 2026 International AYUSH Conference in Dubai. The event brought together more than 2,000 healthcare leaders, researchers, and clinicians from over 30 countries focused on integrative and traditional medicine. One major outcome from the assembly was a draft white paper exploring how AYUSH approaches may help address prevention, chronic disease management, and long-term wellness. In addition, Dr. Anu presented research connecting Ayurvedic concepts of aging with modern studies on inflammation and cellular health. SCU Ayurveda faculty member Jayagopal Parla also presented on evidence-informed Ayurvedic strategies for autoimmune and metabolic disorders. A major theme throughout the conference was that traditional medicine and modern biomedical science can work together, especially in prevention-focused healthcare. For SCU, the event reflects the university's growing role in global whole health education and integrative healthcare conversations. As genetics and genomics become more integrated into healthcare, demand is growing for professionals who can help interpret complex genetic information and guide patients through major healthcare decisions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for genetic counselors is projected to grow 9% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. That demand is being driven by the growing use of genetic testing and by emerging technologies like advanced DNA analysis, gene editing, and artificial intelligence, all of which are changing how diseases are detected, understood, and treated.

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SPEAKER_00 3:24

Dan Handley, director of SCU's Masters in Human Genetics and Genomics program, says medicine is becoming increasingly personalized as genetic technologies move into routine healthcare. He says providers can now sequence and analyze genetic information faster and at a lower cost than ever before, creating new opportunities to better understand disease and improve patient care. But as access to genetic information expands, so do the conversations surrounding inherited risk, testing, and treatment decisions. Stephanie Gandami, director of SCU's genetic counseling program, says patients are often navigating deeply personal and emotionally complex questions about their health and future. She says genetic counselors play a critical role in helping patients understand that information with clarity, accuracy, and compassion. SCU's graduate programs in human genetics and genomics and genetic counseling are designed to prepare students for careers across research, biotechnology, clinical care, and patient counseling as genomic medicine continues to grow. As Gandami notes, while the science is advancing rapidly, healthcare remains fundamentally human. At SCU, whole health is also part of the student experience. SCU student services support students academically, emotionally, socially, and professionally through tutoring, counseling, wellness programming, career development, peer mentoring, and more. Programs like Wellness Wednesday encourage students to focus on stress management, balance, and community through activities like yoga, fitness classes, sound baths, and burnout prevention workshops. The university also offers expanded support through its student assistance program, including mental health resources, life coaching, financial consultation, and legal referrals. According to Associate Vice President Shelby Google, the goal is to support the whole student, not just academic performance. For future healthcare professionals, those experiences help reinforce the importance of empathy, resilience, and caring for the whole person. That wraps up this edition of SCU Now. Thanks so much for listening. To read more about these stories, visit the SCU blog at suhs.edu. And be sure to follow SCU on social media to stay connected with the students, faculty, and alumni helping shape the future of whole health. Until next time, take care and keep moving healthcare forward.